Chad Townsend backs harsh penalty amid racial abuse complaint from Broncos Ezra Mam

Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend said he expected the NRL to hand down a harsh punishment should allegations of racism levelled by Ezra Mam be confirmed. Read what he had to say.

Cowboys halfback Chad Townsend believes the NRL should hand down a harsh punishment on rampaging Roosters recruit Spencer Leniu should allegations of racial abuse be confirmed.

Broncos sensation Ezra Mam made the serious accusations in the late stages of Brisbane’s 20-10 defeat in Las Vegas, creating outrage among the NRL’s playing group and overshadowing what had been a spectacular season opening double-header.

Townsend joined the likes of players Kotoni Staggs, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker in saying racism had no place in rugby league.

“The whole ordeal will go through due process, (but) that’s one thing that we just don’t tolerate at all on any level,” Townsend said.

“I’ve got no doubt that if it did happen, whatever result that will come of it will be a harsh one.”

Referee Adam Gee then asked Mam if he wanted to make a formal complaint, to which Mam responded, “Yes I do”. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

In audio from the match broadcast, Mam is heard telling referee Adam Gee, “He called me a monkey”. Another Broncos player also says, “He called him a monkey”.

Gee then asked Mam if he wanted to make a formal complaint, to which Mam responded, “Yes I do”.

Leniu will face the NRL judiciary after being charged with contrary conduct for the incident.

The fallout took away from an opening weekend that has the Cowboys playing group brimming with excitement to kick off the fresh season.

“I watched the Vegas games with a lot of interest. I was very jealous of the players and the teams over there,” Townsend said.

“I thought it was fantastic, to be fair. I think the way that the NRL did the whole Vegas venture, I think they deserve a pat on the back.

“The whole ordeal will go through due process, (but) that’s one thing that we just don’t tolerate at all on any level,” Townsend said. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

“The games were fantastic. The stadium looked unbelievable. The build-up was great and I thought you couldn’t launch the season in a better way than over there in Vegas.

“Our group chat was kind of popping off yesterday with the boys saying how keen they are to play this weekend. It’s very exciting and we’re looking forward to the Dolphins on Sunday.”

Townsend said North Queensland would put its hand up with gusto to be one of the next teams to play in the United States.

“I’d love to. I know all the boys want to go. I think league wide, every team wants to go,” Townsend said.

“I think they’re a bit jealous of the ability to go over there and play in America in a country that’s not very big on rugby league and really grow the game.”

Originally published as Chad Townsend backs harsh penalty amid racial abuse complaint from Broncos Ezra Mam